Auto insurance is intended to cover vehicle damages and injuries resulting from collisions. Insurance coverage has different ranges, with some people choosing comprehensive plans that include more protections and others selecting liability coverage alone. In Washington, all motorists must maintain, at a minimum, liability coverage to comply with the law.
But what happens when you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who either does not have insurance or whose coverage is insufficient? How can you seek fair compensation in these situations?
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists: What’s the difference?
An UNDERinsured motorist is a driver who has insurance, but their policy limits are not high enough to cover the full extent of damages in an accident. This is often the case with drivers who only carry Washington’s minimum insurance coverage. Unfortunately, when you’re seriously injured or the damage to your vehicle is substantial, an underinsured driver’s insurance is unlikely to cover your damages sufficiently.
An UNinsured motorist is someone who operates a vehicle without auto insurance. Despite laws that require drivers to carry insurance, a surprising number of people—around 14% (one in seven drivers)—still drive without auto insurance in the United States. Uninsured motorists can cause financially ruinous problems for their victims.
At Fuller & Fuller, we’ve helped countless clients in Tacoma, Olympia, and surrounding communities navigate the complexities of car accidents caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to run into these types of obstacles when seeking damages for medical expenses, property damage, and other concerns. We can help you understand your rights and options and assist you in determining the best way to seek the compensation your injuries demand.
To schedule a FREE consultation at the Olympia or Tacoma office of Fuller & Fuller, call us at 800-570-4878 today. A family-run law firm with more than 50 years of dedicated service, we have the experience and resources necessary to assist victims of serious injury obtain the compensation they need to make the best recovery possible.
UM and UIM Insurance Coverage in Washington
The best way to protect yourself from insufficient coverage following a car accident is to include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in your own policy. UM coverage protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance, while UIM coverage helps to bridge the gap between coverage offered by the at-fault driver’s policy and your actual damages.
UM and UIM coverage are default insurance options. To reject UM/UIM coverage, you must affirmatively waive your right to such coverage. Be sure not to waive it. Um/UIM coverage is an important protection for you, your passengers, and your family. You can always add these coverages if they are not currently part of your policy.
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Claims
In Washington, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims are filed with your own insurance company. The process involves gathering evidence from the accident—including things like witness statements, police reports, and medical records—which your insurance company can evaluate to determine the worth of the claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t often make the process easy, even for their policyholders.
While UM and UIM coverage is designed to provide coverage when you need it most, insurance companies don’t always pay claims without a fight. Issues that may arise include:
- Disputes Over Liability. The insurance company may argue that the other driver wasn’t at fault.
- Lowball Settlement Offers. Your insurance company may offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, property damage, or pain and suffering.
- Delayed Payments. Insurance companies may delay paying your claim, leaving you financially strained while you await compensation.
Attorney Marya Fuller has decades of experience dealing with insurance companies both in and out of the courtroom. She is here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Make no mistake, you are in just as adversarial a relationship with your own company when you make a UM/UIM claim as you would be with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. An attorney can help you get what you deserve from the insurance premiums you have been paying to your own company.
How to Protect Your Rights After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
When you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist, there are steps you can take to help protect your rights. If you are able, on the scene of the accident:
- Call Emergency Services. Reporting the accident to the police ensures a record of the event.
- Exchange Information. Get the other driver(s) contact information, driver’s license number, and vehicle information. If they have insurance, get that information as well.
- Gather Witness Information. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Document the Scene. Take photos of the scene and its surroundings, including vehicle damage and any injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention. See your doctor as soon as possible after an accident if you have any symptoms.
You will also want to contact your insurer to report the accident and any damage. It is important that you do not suggest you are to blame for your accident. While Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule (meaning you can still recover a portion of your damages even if you play a role in your accident), it can be difficult to know what caused an accident without a full investigation. This is where the assistance of Marya Fuller, a specialist in accident and injury law, comes in. During her investigation, Attorney Fuller will carefully examine all potential causes to ensure liability is properly established.
Knowing what to do after a car accident is important. After all, accidents occur without warning and can happen to anyone at any time. However, there are some steps you can take that may help you react in time to avoid serious harm. These include:
- Avoid Distraction. Keep your eyes and attention on the road. This will help you react to changing traffic conditions more effectively.
- Stay Sober. Intoxication impairs your ability to react to other motorists and increases the risk of causing an accident.
- Be Courteous. Use turn signals, follow traffic signs and speed limits, and remain patient and calm.
- Drive Defensively. Stay alert and avoid risky situations, give aggressive drivers space, and leave a gap between your bumper and the car in front of you.
It’s also a good idea to check your insurance policy. Even the most cautious and courteous driver can’t always avoid being harmed in an accident. Knowing that you have full coverage—including UM and UIM coverage—ensures you have a path toward compensation no matter who is driving the other vehicle.
Injured by an Underinsured Motorist? Fuller & Fuller Can Help
Fuller & Fuller helps car accident victims in Tacoma, Olympia, and nearby areas of Washington seek fair compensation. We understand that dealing with injuries is difficult enough. Having to navigate the complexities of insurance claims while trying to recover is not something you should be forced to do. If you have been injured in an uninsured motorist accident, we can help you understand your options.
To schedule a FREE case review at our Tacoma or Olympia location, contact Fuller & Fuller online or call us at 800-570-4878 today.
